A few years ago, one of my most often quipped remarks about Arsenal is that they were the kings of outplaying a team completely for 89 minutes and then conceding just before the whistle - and generally in very important matches (Naeem(sp?) anyone?)

This season they've chosen to adapt this tactic so that they can concede midway through matches too. And to Bolton.

I think this whole run of bad luck goes back to Viera's leaving. At the moment, the midfield is made up of fancy dans, which is all well and good, but the inclusion of a Vinnie Jones/Roy Keane-type character in the position would give the team the ability to stop getting kicked around in filthy matches.

Oh, and another quibble - Gallas? I knew that we got the shit end of the deal when he got swapped for Cole, but it didn't occur to me how much until I saw him in action the other day. Fucking sell him.

Getting rid of a disloyal money-grabbing left back in return for an experienced, solid centre back AND making 5m was a bit of a smart move by Wenger. Especially considering the fact we have a ready made, younger replacement in Clichy

I really can't see how you think Gallas has been shit so far

And the Vieira argument is a silly one. You don't 'need' somebody in centre midfield to get stuck in like that. Who do Chelsea have like that? If you are going to say Makelele, remember that Gilberto does pretty much the same role for us. And he's criminally underrated too

I agree that the midfield looks light weight, but that's because we're pretty much playing five across there at the moment. Any midfield that includes Hleb, Van Persie and Rosicky is going to look soft. But Fabregas and Gilberto are more than competent at winning the ball and spreading it

Diaby looked really promising before he did his ankle in. He looks to be the long term replacement for Gilberto